Dè Dè Tha Tha Dol Dol
MAIN GALLERY
Exhibition Run: 8 Mar - 17 May
Ceathrad obair bho cheathrad neach-ealain thar ceithir deicheadan
Forty works by forty artists over four decades of An Lanntair
On the 8th of March 1985 An Lanntair was officially opened in our original upstairs premises in Stornoway Town Hall by one of the Island’s most esteemed sons, the late writer Iain Crichton Smith. Since then, a lot of water has gone under the bridge. But rather than labour the point with a list of triumphs and awards, landmarks and watersheds, challenges and reckonings, or the luminaries who established, developed and sustained us, suffice to say that An Lanntair is now a leading light in the arts firmament of Scotland. A beacon just as our name suggests.
To mark the occasion, this exhibition is both retrospective and looks to the future. An anthology, comprised of works by 40 of the artists we have represented, encouraged and supported in various capacities over these past four decades. It includes pieces by some who are no longer with us, by established practitioners, and by others who are at an earlier stage in their practice.
Grateful thanks to all who helped and contributed.
Photo credit: Sandie Photos
DALZIEL+ SCULLION STUDIO VISIT
THUR 3 APR, 2pm - 4pm
The Artist’s Studio Mangersta, Uig
£10 / £8.50 members & conc.
To mark the 40 / 40 exhibition, visual artists Dalziel + Scullion will host a studio visit (with tea and scones!) at their studio in Mangersta in Uig over on the west coast. They will be screening a couple of their latest short film works (Stone Diary and Moor) and discuss the piece they are currently working on that looks at the contrasting phenomena of the inter-tidal zones and the dramatic energy of the sea along Uig coastline. Also, their ‘Small Works of Great Scale’, a series of wearable artworks, made using found objects from Lewis, that serve as amulets to honour the biodiversity narratives they have encountered since moving here.
KENNETH BURNS: PAINTING WORKSHOP
THUR 10 APR, 10am - 3pm
Outdoors and in the Art Room at An Lanntair
£20 / £17 concessions
Join artist Kenneth Burns for this drawing and painting workshop, taking Stornoway Harbour as inspiration. In the morning, the group will be out sketching en plen air. The afternoon will be spent in An Lanntair’s art room, working up paintings.
Wear clothing suitable for drawing outdoors. If the weather is too wet or windy, the drawing session will take place in An Lanntair’s community room. The sessions will run from 10am – 12pm and 1pm – 3pm, with a break in the middle of the day.
DAVID GREENALL STUDIO VISIT
THUR 17 APR, 2pm - 4pm
David Greenall’s Studio, 39
South Dell
£10 / £8.50 concessions
Visit the studio of artist David Greenall to learn about his work and see new paintings in progress. You will also have the opportunity to experiment with mixing pigments and making a small painting. His paintings of light and landscape – composed of raw pigments, blended with wax, resin, oil or egg tempera – are luminous, subtle, and nuanced yet rendered with power, vigour, and unerring draughtsmanship. There are limited parking spaces close to the studio.
IAN STEPHEN WORKSHOP
THUR 24 APR, 6pm - 8pm
An Lanntair Gallery
£10 / £8 members & concessions
In this workshop, Ian will speak about the process involved in the development of this artwork, and invite the group to build poetry or prose from objects, memories and remembered conversations. Bring an object or photograph, or a resonant phrase from a remembered conversation, which has significance in your life.
CAFÈ BAR GALLERY
VISUAL ARTS
VISUAL ARTS
VINTAGE SURF MOVIE POSTERS
These unique, vintage surf-movie posters from the 1950s & 60s capture the thrill, style, and adventure of surfing’s early days, and celebrate the artistry and culture of the films that shaped the surf legacy.
They have been kindly loaned by Arvid Schigt, who lives, works and surfs on the Isle of Lewis.
MEZZANINE GALLERY
Exhibition Run: 27 Mar - 12 Apr
YOUTH CLUBS MUSICAL BOATS
Artist Moira Maclean led workshops for youth clubs based on her Musical Boats paintings. Breasclete Youth Club, Newton Youth Club, Point Youth Club, Pointers Girls Group and Saturday Art Club took part. A selection of the finished boat collage paintings are exhibited on the walkway. This project is supported by the YLAG 2024-25 Fund.
A PECHAKUCHA FOR ISLAND-BASED CREATIVES
FRI 25 APR 6PM
In person at An Lanntair, Taigh Chearsabhagh and Shetland Arts and online
A PechaKucha is a presentation in which you show 20 slides for 20 seconds each and talk about each one. The idea is to tell a story visually in a short and simple way.
This hybrid event – taking place in person and online - will feature PechaKucha presentations from creative people in Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides. It will happen simultaneously at An Lanntair (Isle of Lewis), Mareel (Shetland) and Taigh Chearsabhagh (Uist), with artists also joining online from Orkney. If you prefer, you can also join online from wherever you are.
This event is a great opportunity to meet creative people from other islands while also socialising in person with other creative people from your own island.
SONGWRITERS CIRCLE
WED 23 APR, 7PM
Are you a songwriter, or aspiring to be? Our monthly songwriters circle is an opportunity for island songwriters to try out ideas on each other with no audience, no pressure and no expectations, just a group of kindred spirits who can offer encouragement and support. A chance to share unfinished songs, ask for feedback, and perhaps find someone to collaborate with.
Hosted by island-based musician Andrew Eaton Lewis.
Seiseanan Trad
WED 2 APR, 7PM
Am bi thu a’ cluich na fìdhle, na pìob, a’ bhocsa, a’ ghiotàr, a’ seinn no eile? Nach tig sibh gu na Seiseanan Traidiseanta! Thig ann leat fhèin, le caraidean no leis an teaghlach air fad, ach bheir leat ionnsramaid-ciùil a choireigin air an cluich thu puirt thraidiseanta còmhla-ris a’ bhuidhinn. Bidh na seiseanan neo-fhoirmeil agus cha bhi uallach air duine sam bith a chluich leotha fhèin. ’S e deagh chothrom a bhios ann airson beagan craic is airson puirt ùr ionnsachadh!
’S i Sìne Hepburn Nic a’ Mhaoilein a bhios a’ stiùireadh nan seiseanan
On 23rd January 2024 I was diagnosed as being neurodivergent which was kind of a surprise to me, funny enough not to anyone that knows me. Although surprising this pretty much answered my full life and why I am the way I am. So come join me in a show where I’ll give you a 1st hand insight from my delusional eyes to what goes on in my ever expanding mind with stories of how I’ve manage to survive through a life of total confusement to how and why I now prefer to be alone, mostly! FRI 11 APR
THROUGH THE SHORTBREAD TIN
TUE 15 APR
7.30PM
Age 12+ (contains strong language) Integrated BSL interpretation
The story of the greatest literary hoax of all time.
1760 – Scottish poet James Macpherson sets the world ablaze with stories of the thirdcentury Scottish bard, Ossian. This tartan-trimmed tale of Highland history spreads far and wide, capturing the imagination of thousands– but is it built on deceit?
2025 – Scottish poet Martin O’Connor reads Macpherson’s epic and questions his own relationship with Scottish culture. The sporrans, the stags, the shortbread – do these ‘gift-shop’ images of Scotland hold us back or bring us forward? What does it mean to be authentic, and is the truth sometimes better told in a lie?
Through The Shortbread Tin is a brand-new show, performed in Scots with Gaelic songs, which explores Scottish culture, myths, history and identity.
Join Martin and Macpherson on an oral odyssey spanning centuries of Scottish history, exploring the myths we tell each other and the stories we tell ourselves. Because It takes a lot ae imagination tae tell a true story.
Written and performed by Martin O’Connor. Directed by Lu Kemp.
Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident after meeting with President Thaddeus Ross. He must soon discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.
Thur3Apr,7pm
A disposable employee is sent on a human expedition to colonize the ice world ‘Niflheim’. After one iteration dies, a new body is regenerated with most of his memories intact.
Fri4Apr,7pm Sat5Apr,7pm 2h 17mins
Aurora is a Portuguese worker in a Scottish warehouse, who deals with loneliness and alienation in an algorithmdriven gig economy as she looks for meaning and connection within workplace confines.
Thur10Apr,7pm
7.30PM, 17 APRIL
The true story of seasoned deep-sea divers who battle the raging elements to rescue a crewmate who’s trapped hundreds of feet below the ocean’s surface.
Fri18Apr,7pm Sat19Apr,8pm
Cat is a solitary animal, but as its home is devastated by a great flood, he finds refuge on a boat populated by various species and will have to team up with them despite their differences.
Sat26Apr,2pm
Interviews, performances and never-before-seen footage provide insight into the origins of Led Zeppelin and their meteoric rise to musical stardom. Sat26Apr,6pm
2h, 20mins
The Emersons come to Lucy's rescue when she finds herself alone in Florence. She falls in love with George Emerson, but back home in England her fiancée awaits her return.
Thur1May,7pm
1PM - 2.30PM, EDUCATION ROOM & ONLINE
ADULT £4.50 / £4 FOR MEMBERS OR £2 ONLINE
CO-CREATE
A little time and space dedicated to nurturing creativity for those who are also busy creatively nurturing little ones and little ones on the way…
These are relaxed and informal, mutually supportive, creative get-togethers, both in-person and online. Offering activities such as: creative journaling, printmaking and collage.
Although this is a group to support mums, caregivers and expectant mums, babies and toddlers are welcome to come along too and will be offered space to play in the same room (children do not require a ticket). You can some spend time making and tend to your little one when they need you.
The sessions will be facilitated by artist Elaine Smith who will offer creative activities and support you to explore making your own artworks. Some activities may include creative collaborations with your child.
If you prefer to join online via Zoom, a link will be emailed to you in advance of the session. Please ensure that your email address is correct on your An Lanntair account.
Out & About Arts Workshops EGGS EGGS
MON 31 MAR - THUR 10 APR
AGE 5-8: 10AM - 12PM
AGE 9 - 12: 1PM - 3PM
£8 / £7 WITH FAMILY
Join us for an egg-citing creative arts workshop where children can explore the fascinating world of eggs! Kids will dive into the mysteries of dragon eggs, bird eggs, and reptile eggs through a mix of making, drama games, and music. Young minds will learn about the wonders of nature, and have a cracking time!
Sessions are being held at: Clan Macquarrie Centre (please book through Ploigh), An Lanntair, Balallan Village Hall, Ionad Stoodie (Garrabost), Grinneabhat (Bragar), Leverburgh Village Hall and Tarbert Community Centre.
10am - 3m
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EDUCATION
ART
Young people aged 12 – 16 can take part in a series of creative challenges including drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture which lead on from the last.
The Art Studio runs from 10am – 3pm on the square and in the art room. Come for all or part of the day. There will be a break from around 12.30 – 1pm.
WEDNESDAY
EDUCATION
MINI MAKE
Visual arts sessions for Primary age children and their adults to have fun making things together.
CREATIVE PLAY
MOVEMENT AND DANCE
Join Catriona Hill in these lively sessions based around dance and physical activity. We will use props, interactive storytelling, and songs to get our bodies moving in a fun, imaginative way.
This session is for children age 2–5 and their parent or carer to be creative together. Younger siblings are welcome too. The class will help children to develop fine motor skills and senses as they explore materials and mark-making.
MUSIC SOUP
Join Eilidh in her music class designed for children in P2 – P4. This class will explore all aspects of music from beat and rhythm to dynamics and pitch. There will be a chance to sing, dance to the rhythm and play musical games!
EDUCATION
SAT ART CLUBS
These sessions offer a range of visual art and design activities for Primary school children every Saturday in term time. You don’t have to book for a whole term. There’s a different activity every week so come when you can.
SAT DRAMA CLUBS
P1-P3s will learn basic drama skills such as building confidence, teamwork and developing characters and creating their own stories. The P4-7 class will work with scripts and will also create some of our own work.
YOUTH TRAD
Join our slow session for young musicians (P7+), where you’ll learn tunes at a comfortable pace & play in a group setting. Whether new to playing or looking to gain more experience, this session is a great stepping stone to other sessions.
We can make tickets available free of charge for young people who would benefit from Youth Theatre, but for whom cost is a barrier. Contact moira@anlanntair.com or joe@anlanntair.com for details.
YOUTH BOARD
EDUCATION
Age14-25
If you would like to have a say in what happens in An Lanntair, would like to learn about programming an event or curating an exhibition or have interesting creative ideas that you would like to see happen in your Arts Centre then come and join our Youth Board. Fortnightly fromWed16Apr,4.30pm-5.30pm.
ART LAB
A dynamic space for young people to unleash their creativity. Whether you’re into drawing, painting, sculpture, video editing, or image manipulation, we’ve got the tools and equipment and support for you!
CLÀR
Age14-25
Inspired by Glasgow's Sharmanka Theatre we will spend the summer term creating characters and puppets that we will set to sound, light and music. Come along and learn about mechanisms, electronics and bringing junk to life!
YOUTH THEATRE
We will build on confidence, creativity, and communication while exploring various aspects of performance-making from improvisation and script writing, to physical theatre and devising.
S1-S6
S1+
BÙTH BÙTH SHOP SHOP
BRIGHTEN UP YOUR HOME AND WORKSPACE THIS SPRING WITH OUR FRESH COLLECTION OF HOMEWARE & STATIONERY. REFRESH YOUR SPACE AND GET INSPIRED THIS SPRING!
Thai Thai
ON HOLIDAY FROM TUE 1 APR TIL TUE 22 APR see you
As a charity we rely on your support to make unforgettable theatre and creative experiences available to everyone.
Your donation will help us to present the best work on our stages and screens, develop the next generation of artists and reach people of all ages and backgrounds through our education and outreach programme, ensuring the arts are accessible to all.
However much you are able to give will make a difference. We really can't do it without you.
